Frederic Melton
There are many types of cheese that can be used to make a grilled cheese sandwich, from American cheese to Swiss cheese, and the choice of cheese ultimately depends on personal preference. However, some popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, Monterey Jack, and brie. When it comes to creating a grilled cheese sandwich, the key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients. For those who enjoy a sharper taste, cheddar is a classic option that pairs well with other cheeses like gouda or Havarti. Those who prefer a milder flavour may opt for American cheese, which has superior melting abilities and a gooey texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese that melts smoothly and evenly | American cheese, Mozzarella, Brie, Monterey Jack, Muenster, White Cheddar, Gruyère, Havarti, Gouda, Fontina |
| Cheese that adds depth of flavor | Smoked gouda, Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Jarlsberg |
| Cheese to be avoided | Smoked gouda, Triple cream brie |
| Bread type | Thick-sliced bread, Sourdough, Ciabatta |
| Bread thickness | 3/4" to 1" |
| Bread texture | Sturdy, Sprouted whole-grain bread with seeds |
| Butter | 1/2 tbsp of unsalted butter on each slice |
| Cooking temperature | Low to medium-low heat, 275˚F |
| Cooking time | 6-7 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Gruyere, and cheddar
Mozzarella is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its exceptional melting ability and stretchiness, resulting in that desirable gooey, cheesy pull when you bite into your sandwich. However, it has a very mild flavour, so it is often paired with another cheese to enhance the taste.
Gruyere is known for its nuttiness, sweetness, and umami character, adding depth to the grilled cheese sandwich. It also melts easily, contributing to that satisfying cheese pull. However, its subtle characteristics mean it is often paired with a bolder cheese to create a more complex flavour profile.
Cheddar is a sharp, bold-flavoured cheese that pairs well with Gruyere. Cheddar is aged longer than Gruyere, resulting in a more pronounced flavour. Vintage cheddar, in particular, is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as its sharpness complements the sweetness of Gruyere beautifully.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use freshly grated cheese, as it melts better than pre-shredded or sliced cheese. Sourdough bread is also a popular choice, as it has a golden, buttery crust when grilled and holds up well to the melted cheese.
Some people like to experiment with different combinations of these cheeses to find their perfect grilled cheese sandwich. For instance, a combination of mozzarella, Gruyere, and cheddar can be a delicious trio, providing the perfect balance of stretch, flavour, and sharpness.
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Monterey Jack
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with Monterey Jack, it is recommended to shred the cheese and pair it with other cheeses, such as cheddar or American cheese, to enhance the taste and texture. The bread should be sturdy, like sourdough or ciabatta, and buttered on the outside to achieve a golden crunch. Cooking the sandwich at a low heat ensures the cheese melts evenly without burning the bread.
For a classic Monterey Jack grilled cheese sandwich, layer shredded Monterey Jack cheese with sliced pickled jalapeños, deli turkey, avocado, and bacon. This combination provides a balance of flavours and textures, making it a perfect option for lunch or dinner.
To elevate your grilled cheese sandwich, consider adding complementary ingredients such as sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or a spread of something sweet like jam. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as crusty ciabatta or thick, billowy slices of Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread.
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Brie
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with Brie, it is important to consider the bread and additional ingredients to complement the cheese. For the bread, thicker slices are recommended, with crusty Ciabatta or sourdough being popular choices. Butter is a key ingredient to achieve a golden, crispy exterior, and it can be spread directly on the bread or melted in the pan before adding the bread. Some recipes suggest using olive oil instead of butter, or a combination of both.
For the fillings, Brie pairs well with cured meats like prosciutto, bacon, or ham, and sweet and savoury ingredients like fig jam, honey, or apple slices. Caramelised onions are also a popular addition, providing a sweet and sticky contrast to the savoury cheese. When assembling the sandwich, it is recommended to layer the ingredients generously, as Brie has excellent melting abilities and can handle a higher proportion of fillings.
To cook the sandwich, heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium to medium-low heat. Cook the sandwich slowly to ensure even melting of the cheese and browning of the bread. Covering the pan with a lid can help to melt the cheese further, but be careful not to steam the sandwich. Flip the sandwich regularly until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is gooey.
With its mild flavour and excellent melting abilities, Brie is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, offering a rich and creamy texture that elevates the classic comfort food.
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American cheese
While there are many different types of cheese that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, American cheese is a popular choice. It is a soft cheese with a mild flavour and a creamy texture, and it melts very easily when heated, giving you that tell-tale orange stripe of melted goo. American cheese is also pre-packaged and portioned into individual slices, making it convenient for layering.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with American cheese, it is important to cook it slowly over medium-low heat to ensure that the cheese melts evenly. Butter the outside of the bread will also help to create a golden, crispy crust.
Overall, American cheese is a versatile and convenient option for grilled cheese sandwiches, offering a mild flavour and a gooey, stretchy texture that is sure to bring some nostalgia to your taste buds.
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Sharp cheddar and gouda
While there are many types of cheese that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, a combination of sharp cheddar and gouda makes for an exceptional sandwich.
Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. However, mild or medium cheddar melts better than sharp cheddar, which can turn oily and waxy. Nevertheless, sharp cheddar has a stronger flavour than its milder counterparts, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced cheese taste.
Gouda is another excellent option for grilled cheese sandwiches. When selecting gouda, it is best to choose a young to medium-aged variety, as these are softer and springier, making them ideal for melting. Aged gouda, on the other hand, tends to be firmer and may not melt as well. Young gouda has a nutty, caramel-like flavour that can elevate the taste of a grilled cheese sandwich. It is important to avoid smoked gouda, as smoking changes the consistency of the cheese and affects its melting properties.
Combining sharp cheddar and gouda in a grilled cheese sandwich can create a rich and complex flavour profile. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the nuttiness of the gouda, resulting in a unique and delectable taste experience.
To further enhance the grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use sturdy bread, such as sourdough or Ciabatta, and add complementary flavours. Butter the bread will create a golden crunch, and spreading mayonnaise on the outside will add a tangy, crispy texture. Additionally, various fillings can be added, such as pesto, caramelized onions, garlic confit aioli, or cured meats like prosciutto or ham.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for the best cheese to use in grilled cheese sandwiches. Some popular choices include:
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Gruyere
- Gouda
- Havarti
- Muenster
- American cheese
Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It's best to avoid bread that is too thick, too thin, too soft, or too holey.
There is some debate over whether to use butter or mayonnaise for grilled cheese sandwiches. Some people prefer butter for its flavour and the way it crisps up the bread. Others prefer mayonnaise as it makes the sandwich crispy without being greasy, and it has no taste.
Some popular additional ingredients for grilled cheese sandwiches include:
- Sliced tomatoes
- Fresh herbs (thyme, basil, parsley)
- Arugula
- Jalapeños
- Onions
- Ham
- Dijon mustard
- Apples
Grilled cheese sandwiches can be cooked in a skillet, griddle, frying pan, or waffle iron. It's important to cook the sandwich at a low heat to ensure the cheese melts fully without burning the bread.
